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Latin name

Grus grus

Family

Cranes (Gruidae)

Overview

The crane is a huge, graceful, mainly grey bird with long legs, a long neck and drooping, curved tail feathers. Small numbers pass through Britain in spring and autumn, and there is a tiny breeding population in eastern England. Numbers in Europe have declined over the last 300 years because of disturbance, shooting and drainage.

Where to see them

In Britain, migrating cranes are seen mostly in the south and east. The location of the single breeding site is kept secret to protect the birds.

When to see them

You are most likely to see migrating cranes in Britain in late April and early May, occasionally in autumn.

What they eat

Seeds, crops, insects, snails and worms.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

In the UK

Southern and Eastern England

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

• Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

3 illustrations 123

Adult

Juvenile

Crane in flight

Similar birds

Grey heron